Nail & scalp disorders

We recognize that if you are experiencing any of these disorders you will be under considerable distress as they can be painful and in certain cases embarrassing.

Psoriasis and eczema (seborrhoeic dermatitis) can affect the scalp making it itchy, sore and flake heavily. Fungal infections of the scalp are highly contagious and can cause discomfort and itchiness and will produce patchy hairless. They should be diagnosed and treated immediately with anti-fungal medications topically or orally, shampoos, soaps and other medication recommended by your dermatologist.

Nail problems can stem from a deficiency of zinc and they can also be affected by psoriasis. Most problems are related to fungal inactions of the nail bed. Fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails are caused by fungal microbes that invade the nail bed. Fungal nail infection is also called onychomycosis and tinea unguium. It causes the fingernails or toenails to thicken, discolour, disfigure and split. Onychomycosis is the most common nail infection in adults, usually affecting the toenails. Its incidence is increasing and is associated with diabetes, a suppressed immune system and increasing age. At first this is only a cosmetic concern but as toenails thicken they cause pressure and pain when wearing shoes.

Alopecia can take many forms both in men and women, and requires proper testing in order to pinpoint the exact origin of the problem. There are several products in the market promising miracle cures and yet many people become disillusioned with their ineffectiveness. A common misconception is to assume a genetic cause. Many forms can be hormone related, iron-deficiency related, occur after a systemic shock to the body such as an illness or be triggered by stressful/emotional events. Excess hair can be equally distressing, and occur due to underlying hormonal problems which can be ruled out with a simple blood test.

A successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis.

For fungal nail infections treatment involves taking a fungal culture and /or a blood sample then prescribing topical medicated applications or oral medication. The nails can also be removed surgically if necessary

Many hair loss cases can be treated effectively with oral medication or the correct supplements can be very effective in encouraging hair re-growth and continued therapy is required to maintain your hair. There are a number of female specific medications to retard hair loss and encourage regrowth and you dermatologist will advise you which ones are right for you after a thorough examination. There are also a myriad of products designed to improve the general appearance of a hair loss suffer, and we can advise you on those we have tested and seen proven results.

For excess hair, topical creams can be prescribed to slow down facial hair growth or alternatively we can refer you to a specialist laser clinic that we trust for laser hair removal.

Typical treatment options include:

FOCUS ON: Identifying the underlying factors of your condition, treating the symptoms that distress you the most and then taking the opportunity to establish a healthier lifestyle that minimizes stress, addresses poor nutrition and helps restore your immune system and hormonal balances. Our team will support you in achieving these improvements which have life-long benefits.

We see many patients who have spent a considerable amount of time and money on treatments that did not work, either because of poor quality or because they were inappropriate for the condition and therefore ineffective. A Dermatologist is the most qualified person to give you an accurate diagnosis. For rare conditions, they will consult their extended network of colleagues and specialists to point you in the right direction.

More on hair loss…

Each hair follicle on your head grows 10-12mm per month during its growth phase. This will last for 5 years after which the folic enters its resting phase. The hair will then shed and the whole process begins again. It is perfectly normal to lose up to 100 hairs daily so finding it on your pillow in the morning can be normal too.

Male hair loss is usually testosterone related, where it is converted to a hair losing compound that encourages hair to shed without it re-entering the growth phase. This process commonly begins at the top of the scalp.

In women from the ages of 20-40 the leading causes of hair loss are birth control pills and low level of iron in the body. Diagnosis will involve tests to evaluate iron sufficiency, auto immune conditions and hormonal imbalances. Female hair loss is more diffuse than male hair loss and does not present as a frontal and crown pattern that men present with. Women make up nearly half of all hair loss sufferers.

PRACTITIONER ACCREDITATIONS

The content on this site is intended for information and general educational purposes only. It may not apply to you or your personal medical needs, and it should not be used in place of a consultation or the advice of your physician.